This may have sparked the Bronx fire and massive explosion that injured 7 firefighters

This May Have Sparked the Bronx Fire and Explosion Injuring 7 Firefighters

A single flick of a cigarette might have been enough to trigger a massive explosion in the Bronx, sending a towering fireball into the night sky and injuring multiple firefighters.

How It Happened

Surveillance footage from Wednesday evening appears to show a person tossing a lit cigarette onto the sidewalk in the Longwood neighborhood. Strong winds seemingly blew the cigarette into a pile of garbage, which caught fire and quickly spread to several parked cars.

The Explosion on Fox Street

As firefighters worked to control the blaze, an explosion erupted on Fox Street near Westchester Avenue, propelling a fiery blast several stories high.

Injuries and Aftermath

The explosion left charred wreckage scattered across the street. At least one vehicle was completely destroyed and later towed away.

“It was my car that exploded. I lost two strollers and expensive car seats,” a woman told NBC New York, adding she now had to find new ways to travel with her two toddlers.

Community Reaction

Local residents said trash was not supposed to be left out that day. Due to Election Day, garbage collection had been postponed until Thursday, leading to an unusual accumulation of waste on the street.

Author’s summary: A discarded cigarette and strong winds likely caused a Bronx fire and explosion that injured seven firefighters and destroyed several cars.

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NBC New York NBC New York — 2025-11-07

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